Created by Lindsay Price and Kerry Hishon
This unit focuses on character creation: How do you create a character from the ground up? Use this unit as a precursor to a playwriting unit, to a devising unit, or to a class production.
Using the archetypes of the superhero, the sidekick, and the supervillain, students work on exercises to help them create unique characters through physical and vocal qualities, character profiles, and theatrical writing.
Because many of the exercises have an individual focus, this unit works in a distance learning environment or for your no-technology students.
National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.b - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.6.b - Articulate how technical elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr6.1.HSI.a - Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
TH.68.C.1.5 - Describe how a theatrical activity can entertain or instruct an audience.
TH.68.C.2.2 - Keep a rehearsal journal to document individual performance progress.
TH.68.C.2.3 - Ask questions to understand a peer's artistic choices for a performance or design.
TH.68.C.2.4 - Defend personal responses to a theatre production.
Historical & Global Connections
TH.68.H.1.6 - Discuss how a performer responds to different audiences.
TH.68.H.2.4 - Discuss the differences between presentational and representational theatre styles.
Innovation, Technology & the Future
TH.68.F.1.1 - Manipulate various design components to imagine the world of the character.
Organizational Structure
TH.68.O.1.1 - Compare different processes an actor uses to prepare for a performance.
TH.68.O.1.4 - Discuss how the whole of a theatre performance is greater than the sum of its parts.
TH.68.O.3.2 - Explore how theatre and theatrical works have influenced various cultures.
Skills, Techniques & Processes
TH.68.S.2.2 - Discuss and apply the theatrical production process to create a live performance.
TH.68.S.2.4 - Memorize and present a character's lines from a monologue or scene.
TH.912.S.2.8 - Strengthen acting skills by engaging in theatre games and improvisations.
TH.912.S.3.3 - Develop acting skills and techniques in the rehearsal process.
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.c - Identify solutions to design challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
Acc.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr5.b - Articulate how technical theatre elements are integrated into a drama/ theatre work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.a - Receive and incorporate feedback to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Prof.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted short drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
Acc.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Common Core
Language
Language
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grade 6 - Creating
Grade 6 - Performing
Grade 7 - Creating
Grade 8 - Creating
Grade 8 - Performing
Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.
B.CR.1.2 - Create scenarios that communicate character, setting, plot, and conflict.
Beginning High School Present
B.PR.2.4 - Identify the responsibilities of a performer in a variety of theatrical venues.
Intermediate High School Create
I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.
Intermediate High School Present
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
B.C.1.3 - Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
Intermediate High School Standards - Aesthetics
I.AE.1.1 - Use technical knowledge and design skills to formulate designs.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.1.3 - Create original works, such as monologues, scenes, or performance pieces.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.B - imagine and clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings.
C.2.E - express emotions and ideas using interpretive movements and dialogue.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
Alberta, Canada
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Costume
Speech Drama 10
Speech Drama 20
Speech Drama 30
24 - select appropriate visual elements such as props and costumes to enhance spoken interpretation
Improvisation Drama 10
24 - select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
25 - select and use language appropriate to character and situation
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
Acting Drama 20
Acting Drama 30
18 - use various vocal skills to enhance characterization
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
Playwriting - Drama 20
Junior Goal II Objectives
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of drama and theatre presentations as possible
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
share ideas confidently with others
show awareness of story sequence
support positivity the work of others
understand that technical elements enhance verbal/physical communication
Movement Level I - Beginning
Speech Level II - Intermediate
13 - use voice to communicate mood and emotion
14 - use a variety of character voices
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
15 - demonstrate the effect of character on oral interpretation
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Junior Goal I Objectives
Technical Theatre - Application
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas and emotions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology
Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
C.3.1 - identify and follow safe and ethical practices in all drama activities
Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)
Grade Six
6.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatrical works
6.4 - The student will identify connections between personal experience and dramatizations
6.5 - The student will identify communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Six
6.15 - The student will identify functions of a theatre director.
6.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Grade Seven
7.1 - The student will demonstrate creative thinking by improvising scenes from given situations.
7.2 - The student will demonstrate a creative process for theatre.
Grade Seven
7.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
7.4 - The student will justify personal responses to theatrical productions.
Grade Seven
7.11 - The student will explain how other fine arts and fields of knowledge are applied in theatre
Grade Seven
7.12 - The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
7.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills
Grade Eight
8.3 - The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate theatre.
8.5 - The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.
Grade Eight
Grade Eight
8.12 - The student will develop physical and vocal technique for theatre performance.
8.15 - The student will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a production staff member.
8.16 - The student will develop technical theatre and production skills.
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
TI.1 - The student will create and write a monologue and/or scene.
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.1 - The student will demonstrate playwriting.
TIII.2 - The student will apply the creative process for theatre.
Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting
TIII.5 - The student will exhibit collaboration skills for theatre productions and processes.
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